As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Thursday, 5 May 2016

Myna bird cull proves successful in Cairns

April 26, 2016 8:00pm

Nick Dalton The Cairns Post

MOREthan
38,000 myna birds have been culled in Cairns in less than five years as a
campaign now moves to scientific research.

The research may discover a
biological way to rid the environment of the pest.

Meanwhile, Cairns Remove Indian
Mynas president Peter Goulding said James Cook University wanted some dead
mynas for further research.

“JCU has asked us to supply 75
frozen birds for their science department, which we are seeking to do. However,
we have just 12 days to get the birds they need,” he said.

A JCU spokeswoman said the
university would consider using the birds to teach vertebrate anatomy and
physiology.

“The university is working with
the Men’s Shed to ensure the birds are being humanely euthanised as part of a
broader program,” she said.

Mr Goulding said there were
several research projects under way at universities.

“It is hoped that a biological
solution may be found,” he said.

“However, there is no guarantee
of this and we need to keep trapping to protect our diverse native wildlife.”

Mr Goulding said the latest data
was “stunning,” with 1572 traps sold and 38,157 mynas culled.

“We have been working hard on our
database and were pleased to be able to confirm the cull figures we suspected
we had achieved,” he said.

“The community effort to date has
been phenomenal.

“However, we cannot ease off now,
especially as we are winning the battle.”

Mr Goulding said Men’s Shed
members could teach people how to become effective trappers.

“If they don’t wish to euthanise
the caught birds, most veterinarians will do it free of charge,” he said,.

“We are having a big impact in
the India myna population.

“Surveys show that numbers have
fallen at Cairns Airport and anecdotal evidence indicates significant
reductions in many Cairns suburbs.